Chapter 26 - Almost A Miracle

As we get closer to Independence Day, it is important, I think, to reflect how our country came into being and to recognize the men and women who founded the nation. Initially, the colonists just wanted to be "heard" by King George and members of Parliament, asking to be represented in their governing body. When this was declined, tensions escalated, one thing led to another and suddenly American patriots found themselves at war with their mother country. Even with the conflict, there were citizens who believed England would give into the colonies' demands for representation. Others wanted complete independence. Regardless, those who spoke for the colonies knew it had to be a united effort or it would be a futile loss of lives. At that time the Articles of Confederation and Perpetration were agreed upon by the thirteen colonies and served as the first constitution.

After the war was won, the establishment of a new order was necessary. Again, many in the new country thought that each state should become a country of its own but wiser minds prevailed and through the Constitution and the Federalist Papers, an country was born.

Here are some terrific books about the war if you wish to refresh your knowledge of America's struggle to become a self-governing nation.

The Boston Massacre by Hiller B. Zobel - This non-fiction book tells the story of the events that lead up to the fury felt by the colonists and ultimately, the American Revolution.

1776 by David McCullough - McCullough's riveting history of the early days of the Revolution, when most patriots had no hope of winning freedom and fought a well trained, well equipped, and extremely disciplined adversary. You'll wonder how they did it!

Killing England by Bill O'Reilly - O'Reilly's story is a good overview of the entire war, including the end. This is a terrific read and a great introduction to some of the heroic and well known figures of American history.

Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation by Cokie Roberts - I read this book years ago and it still is one of my favorites. Roberts detailed some of the important women who contributed to the war efforts guiding their husbands or sons in important decisions. In the book, she focused on such notables as Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Deborah Read Franklin, Eliza Pinckney, Catherine Littlefield Green, Esther DeBerdt Reed and Martha Washington.

Miracle at Philadelphia by Catherine Drinker Bowen - Using diaries and newspaper articles of the day, Bowen presents the five months of discussion and deliberation which occurred in Philadelphia to draft the Articles of Confederation.

Standing in Their Own Light: African American Patriots in the American Revolution by Judith L. Van Buskirk - Van Buskirk explores the role African Americans play in the early days of the country and how things changed or stayed the same for them after the war.

There is an old adage that those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it. Many of the struggles of the early Americans continue, it seems, to unfold today so perhaps we can learn some lessons from that time period,

Do you have any favorite Revolutionary War books? Please share!